Neck-and-neck fight on anvil in Amritsar (West)

Amritsar: The Amritsar (west) segment following delimitation around ten years back, was declared reserve. Many important areas of the holy city, like Rani ka bagh, Putlighar, Cantonment, Guru Nanak Dev University and its surrounding areas, in addition to some villages on the outskirts come under this segment.

After delimitation Dr Raj Kumar Verka, of Congress won this constituency in 2012. However, Thursday’s list of 61 candidates announced on Thursday Dr Verka candidature from Amritsar (west) segment.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has fielded Balwinder Singh Sahota from this constiuency. Hailing from a nearby village Kot Khalsa, Sahota wields a remarkable following in the area. He had to face stiff opposition from local activists of AAP after the clearance of his candidature.

Sahota was able to sort out differences soon with ones who revolted against him. It has been learnt that when Anna Hazaare along with Arvind Kejriwal had waged a war against corruption at New Delhi, Sahota stood by him and since then he has been an active loyalist of the party.

Political analysts predict that Sahota is in a position to give a strong fight to his opponent, Dr Verka.

The SAD- BJP alliance is yet to make announcement about the name of its candidate from Amritsar (west). In past four elections Congress has emerged victorious from this constituency.

AAP is in the fray for first time in assembly elections and its candidate Sahota is bound to give sleepless nights to opponents.